A group of around 16 airport firemen and service workers will be cycling the equivalent distance of the Guernsey to Gatwick route for charity on the airport runway on 29 August.

The cyclists aim to cover a total distance of 161 miles riding laps of the runway and taxiways in four relay teams. They will be peddling through the night for two local charities – Les Bourgs Hospice and a special fund set up for a ‘Garden of Reflection’ at Le Rondin School.

The cyclists are all colleagues at the airport and have been in training for over six months in preparation for the gruelling challenge. To complete their challenge, they will be completing two laps equalling 4.10 miles every 12 minutes throughout the eight hours that the airport is closed for the night.

Airport Director, Colin Le Ray, said allowing the runway to be used for such worthwhile causes that touched so many people on the island is a fitting way to formally mark the end of project works.

“I am delighted that the Airport Fire Service has put such a lot of effort into arranging this event and helping to train other staff at the airport, including air traffic controllers; air traffic assistants, airport telecommunications and airport electricians.”

The team has have received support from main sponsors Heritage Insurance – as well as a number of other local businesses.

Airport fireman Gary De Carteret, who organised the event along with Chris Chamberlain and Grant Chalmers, said: “Les Bourgs Hospice relies completely on volunteers and donations – so being able to help was a prime motivation for this event.

“The Le Rondin School’s plans to construct a special garden on school grounds for students to remember lost family and friends and we were keen to raise funds for this as well.

“We’ve had to overcome several obstacles in training for the event. For instance, the runway is not always available when we expect it to be, but I’m confident we will complete the distance on the day.”

Richard Le Tocq, director at Heritage Insurance, said: “This will be an incredible achievement for a group of individuals who already play an invaluable part in the running of the airport. We’re happy to support the cyclists to raise as much money for the two charities as possible.”

Donations can be made online at https://race-nation.com/donate/21. Anyone who makes a donation over £20 will be entered into a prize draw to win two return tickets to London Gatwick with Aurigny.